Read the scope, outcomes and full checklist guidance
The outcome:Walking locations and times are selected and used lawfully and responsibly, with risks to dogs, the public, livestock, wildlife and the environment anticipated and controlled.
EW6.1: Route, timing and site assessment
The business must assess recurring routes and review conditions before each service. Assessment must consider access rules, traffic, gates, terrain, water, tides, weather, visibility, public use, livestock, wildlife, toxins, traps, seasonal hazards, communications coverage and exit options. Routes and times must change when risks cannot be controlled within actual capacity.
Assessor checklist
Requirement
The business must assess recurring routes and review conditions before each service. Assessment must consider access rules, traffic, gates, terrain, water, tides, weather, visibility, public use, livestock, wildlife, toxins, traps, seasonal hazards, communications coverage and exit options. Routes and times must change when risks cannot be controlled within actual capacity.
What the Assessor Checks
Review risk assessments for regular and alternative routes.
Ask how same-day information changes destination, timing, group size or lead status.
Evidence
Route register, site rules, dynamic checks, weather or tide data, records and observation.
Meets Standard
There is reasonable evidence that the requirement is met consistently in practice and achieves the required welfare, control and integrity outcome.
Action Required
The requirement is not yet demonstrated consistently in practice, or the available evidence is incomplete and requires a proportionate corrective action.
Critical Non-Compliance
Using a known seriously hazardous or prohibited area without adequate control may be Critical Non-Compliance.
Result:☐ Meets Standard ☐ Action Required ☐ Critical Non-Compliance
Notes: ____________________________________________________________
EW6.2: Respectful shared-space management
Walkers must take reasonable steps to avoid intimidating, obstructing or endangering other users and to prevent dogs approaching people, children, cyclists, horses, livestock or other dogs without appropriate control. Groups should avoid concentrated use that foreseeably creates conflict, track damage or unreasonable disruption, including busy peak periods where a practical alternative exists.
Assessor checklist
Requirement
Walkers must take reasonable steps to avoid intimidating, obstructing or endangering other users and to prevent dogs approaching people, children, cyclists, horses, livestock or other dogs without appropriate control. Groups should avoid concentrated use that foreseeably creates conflict, track damage or unreasonable disruption, including busy peak periods where a practical alternative exists.
What the Assessor Checks
Observe passing, recall, positioning and communication with other users.
Review complaints and how routes or timing changed.
Evidence
Observation, route plan, complaints, client feedback and incident review.
Meets Standard
There is reasonable evidence that the requirement is met consistently in practice and achieves the required welfare, control and integrity outcome.
Action Required
The requirement is not yet demonstrated consistently in practice, or the available evidence is incomplete and requires a proportionate corrective action.
Critical Non-Compliance
Reckless conduct creating a serious danger to the public or animals may be Critical Non-Compliance.
Result:☐ Meets Standard ☐ Action Required ☐ Critical Non-Compliance
Notes: ____________________________________________________________
EW6.3: On-lead and off-lead decisions
Every on- or off-lead decision must comply with the location's rules and the dog's legal conditions, individual plan, current responsiveness and the environment at that moment. Off-lead freedom must end promptly when reliable control, visibility, compatibility or conditions deteriorate. Owner consent does not make an unlawful or unsafe off-lead decision acceptable.
Assessor checklist
Requirement
Every on- or off-lead decision must comply with the location's rules and the dog's legal conditions, individual plan, current responsiveness and the environment at that moment. Off-lead freedom must end promptly when reliable control, visibility, compatibility or conditions deteriorate. Owner consent does not make an unlawful or unsafe off-lead decision acceptable.
What the Assessor Checks
Review which dogs are authorised off lead and the evidence supporting it.
Observe recall, re-leashing and response to other users or changing conditions.
Evidence
Individual plan, consent, legal status, recall assessment, route rules and observation.
Meets Standard
There is reasonable evidence that the requirement is met consistently in practice and achieves the required welfare, control and integrity outcome.
Action Required
The requirement is not yet demonstrated consistently in practice, or the available evidence is incomplete and requires a proportionate corrective action.
Critical Non-Compliance
Knowingly releasing a dog where serious escape, attack or legal risk is evident may be Critical Non-Compliance.
Result:☐ Meets Standard ☐ Action Required ☐ Critical Non-Compliance
Notes: ____________________________________________________________
EW6.4: Waste, wildlife and environmental care
The walker must carry sufficient waste bags, collect dog faeces where required, dispose of waste lawfully and leave gates and property secure. Dogs must be managed to protect wildlife, nesting or sensitive areas, waterways, livestock and land. Water, treats and equipment must not create avoidable contamination or litter.
Assessor checklist
Requirement
The walker must carry sufficient waste bags, collect dog faeces where required, dispose of waste lawfully and leave gates and property secure. Dogs must be managed to protect wildlife, nesting or sensitive areas, waterways, livestock and land. Water, treats and equipment must not create avoidable contamination or litter.
What the Assessor Checks
Inspect carried supplies and observe waste and gate management.
Check knowledge of local wildlife, livestock and conservation restrictions.
Evidence
Supplies, route guidance, observation, complaints and environmental incidents.
Meets Standard
There is reasonable evidence that the requirement is met consistently in practice and achieves the required welfare, control and integrity outcome.
Action Required
The requirement is not yet demonstrated consistently in practice, or the available evidence is incomplete and requires a proportionate corrective action.
Critical Non-Compliance
Deliberately allowing serious harm to protected wildlife or livestock may be Critical Non-Compliance.
Result:☐ Meets Standard ☐ Action Required ☐ Critical Non-Compliance
Notes: ____________________________________________________________